Horticultural Therapy Services

A trained professional in a plant-rich environment can provide an opportunity for healing, stress reduction, physical exercise, and endless learning. Chicago Botanic Garden professionals enable participants to engage with elements of the plant world in a planned, individualized, and expertly directed manner.

The Garden is a world leader in providing therapeutic horticulture experiences to visitors at the Garden as well as at facilities throughout the Chicago area. The horticultural therapy department also offers certificate programs for special-education personnel, healthcare providers and administrators, and landscape professionals. These programs explore the multiple health benefits that are available in nature.

Direct ServicesWorking with staff from an agency, facility, or club, our therapists design, prepare, and lead a 50-minute session with up to 15 participants. Sessions are conducted in the distinguished Buehler Enabling Garden during the growing season (mid-May to mid-October) or at a location provided by the contracting agency.

ConsultationStaff is experienced in providing professional consultation during the planning phase of a garden installation to ensure maximum benefit and accessibility for the users of a specific garden. Our consultants will develop conceptual plans and provide a bridge to working with those who construct the garden. We are also pleased to consult on creating accessible, inclusive and welcoming spaces and programs for people with special needs. Consulting fees fund the mission and programs of the Garden.

EducationThe Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program provides professionals with experience in a compatible therapeutic or educational field with the required background to use horticultural therapy techniques with their clients. The program is accredited through Oakton Community College and earns a total of 12 credit hours. Classes are taught online with the addition of two full-time, weeklong immersion experiences at the Garden.

SpeakersOur therapists bring a wealth of experience to share with audiences. Talks range from brief lectures to multi-day experiences on such topics as therapeutic garden design, selection of plant material, accessibility issues, and the use of therapeutic horticulture with specific populations (such as aging, PTSD, sensory spectrum disorders, stroke recovery and more). Speakers' fees support the mission and programs of the Garden.

For more information on our programs, call (847) 835-8277 or email .

Horticultural Therapy is supported by an endowment from the Buehler Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc., Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation, The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, The Brinson Foundation, The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, HSBC, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Kemper Educational and Charitable Trust, and the Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation, as well as endowments established by the estate of Florence Rantz, the Kenilworth Garden Club, the Julien H. Collins and Bertha M. Collins Fund, and the Helen and Maurice Weigle Fund at The Chicago Community Trust.